Dallas Cowboys Training Camp: Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb Lead First Practices

The Dallas Cowboys began their 2026 training camp in Oxnard, California, with a limited opening session on August 10, according to reporting from thelandryhat.com. The camp features a fully healthy roster to start, though the team is currently monitoring veteran safety P.J. Locke after he was seen limping off the field on July 29.

The Cowboys are scheduled for a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams on August 11. This session is one of four remaining open practices before the team plays its first preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks on August 15 at 7 p.m. CT, thelandryhat.com reports.

The training camp focus centers on the integration of new defensive personnel under the vision of Christian Parker and the performance of key offensive players including quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Defensive Standouts and Rookie Performance

Third-round pick Jaishawn Barham has earned early praise from the coaching staff. Brian Schottenheimer described Barham as a heavy hand and noted his ability to shed blocks, according to thelandryhat.com.

No. 11 overall pick Caleb Downs is also establishing a presence on the defense. Thelandryhat.com reports that Downs stopped a carry to Jaydon Blue during the first padded practice on Monday and previously caused a confrontation by knocking the ball out of Brevyn Spann-Ford’s hands after a whistle.

In the trenches, free agent signing Otito Ogbonnia is contributing as a nose tackle. Reporting from thelandryhat.com indicates Ogbonnia has been effective in stopping handoffs and pursuing screen passes.

Roster Health and Personnel Status

Dallas entered camp without any players on the physically unable to perform (PUP) or non-football injury (NFI) lists. This includes safety Jalen Thompson, who dealt with a pectoral issue during minicamp, according to thelandryhat.com.

DaRon Bland and Donovan Ezeiruaku are participating in camp after undergoing surgeries during the offseason. Both players missed OTAs and minicamp and are now in a ramp-up period, thelandryhat.com reports.

The team is currently evaluating the status of P.J. Locke, who required medical attention after limping off the field on July 29.

Front Office Activity and Trade Possibilities

Owner Jerry Jones indicated during an introductory press conference that the Cowboys are actively seeking defensive improvements. Jones stated he discussed a substantive move with another team as recently as July 27, according to thelandryhat.com.

Jones expressed a willingness to trade future draft picks to acquire an impact player for the defense, per thelandryhat.com.

Upcoming Schedule and Key Matchups

The Cowboys’ offense, led by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens, will face a defensive unit featuring Caleb Downs and DeMarvion Overshown during the course of camp.

The team’s immediate schedule includes:

• August 11: Joint practice with the LA Rams (Open to public).
• August 15: Preseason game at Seattle Seahawks (7 p.m. CT).